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Torn Meniscus of the Knee

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A torn meniscus can occur in a number of ways including everything from simple walking to traumatic sports injuries to routine "wear and tear."

Symptoms of a torn meniscus are pain and swelling of the knee as well as clicking or locking while the joint is being used. Marshfield Clinic has medical specialists expertly trained in treatment of a torn meniscus.

Treatments

Your physician will evaluate the severity of the injury and recommend a specific treatment plan to address it. Possible treatments include:

Medication

Over-the-counter medications are commonly effective for pain relief.

NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may also be prescribed to keep swelling down and are often recommended in combination with pain relievers.

Physical Therapy

A patient may be asked to simply curb some of their normal activities to allow the knee to recover. A course of regular exercise to the legs may be helpful in building up muscle around the knee and keeping weight off the meniscus cartilage.

Injections

A corticosteroid injection can help relieve knee pain and lead to an improvement in knee function.

Surgery

Arthroscopic (using a fiber optic instrument and small incision) surgery is a common treatment for tears of the meniscus. Most tears are treated either by a partial meniscectomy (tissue trimming) or meniscus repair. The specific treatment is based on the tear pattern and location. While a meniscus repair is preferable to help preserve optimal knee function, most tears require a partial meniscectomy​ procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the treatment that may be best for you.

Preventive tip

When playing sports, wear shoes designed for the surface you’re playing or running on, such as a track or tennis court. It will help prevent injury.

Athletes and weekend warriors alike know the knee is a common candidate for injury. The meniscus, a piece of cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber in the knee, is a frequent area for knee injuries to occur....
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